At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community outreach team supporting vulnerable witnesses through the justice process.
- Company: Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and making an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in service delivery or support roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Victim Support is seeking a confident, organised, and relationship-driven Team Leader to lead our Witness Service outreach team working in the community. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that vulnerable intimidated witnesses receive high-quality, timely, and compassionate support at every stage of the justice process. We are looking for someone who brings strong people-management experience, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to building a supportive and high-performing team. You'll lead volunteers, oversee daily case allocations, manage service delivery within the community, strengthen partnerships, and ensure our Witness Service meets contractual and quality standards. This role is part-time working 18.75 hours per week covering Staffordshire.
As the Team Leader - Witness Service (outreach in the community), you will:
- Lead the delivery of the Witness Service within the community, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and consistent service for all witnesses.
- Line-manage volunteers, supporting recruitment, training, development, performance, and wellbeing.
- Oversee daily case allocations, ensuring witnesses receive timely assessments, tailored support, and appropriate referrals.
- Ensure accurate and compliant data entry, audits, reporting, and monitoring of KPIs and quality standards.
- Manage rotas, resource planning, and service coverage across the area.
- Promote excellent communication across teams, facilitating team meetings and sharing learning.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with local stakeholders, including statutory and voluntary partners.
- Foster an inclusive, trauma-informed, person-centred approach that recognises diverse needs and vulnerabilities.
- Provide leadership that champions continuous improvement and maintains the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of witnesses.
This role requires strong attention to detail, confidence using digital systems, and the ability to manage competing demands while supporting a high-performing team. You will have:
- A strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime on victims and witnesses.
- Experience delivering services in demanding environments with a focus on customer experience and service excellence.
- Experience providing guidance, support, or crisis management to staff or service users.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and advisory skills, both written and verbal.
- The ability to work without direct supervision, manage competing demands, and maintain organised and methodical working practices.
- Experience gathering, analysing, and reporting information from multiple sources.
- Sound IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
This role involves exposure to emotionally demanding situations and requires resilience and emotional maturity. Travel across the court cluster and wider area is required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet service needs. An enhanced DBS check will be required.
The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales - both for the prosecution and the defence. Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
Witness Support Worker in Basingstoke employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its team members. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities, ensuring that our staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Working in Staffordshire, you will be part of a passionate team that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable witnesses, all while enjoying unique benefits such as birthday leave and exclusive discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Witness Support Worker in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of victim support and justice. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how they support witnesses. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Witness Support Worker, you'll need to convey information clearly and compassionately. Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the lives of witnesses.
We think you need these skills to ace Witness Support Worker in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting victims and witnesses shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the justice system!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use examples that align with the job description, especially around communication and team leadership.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Know the Justice System
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of the criminal justice system and how it impacts victims and witnesses. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll be managing volunteers and supporting their development. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or supported individuals in the past. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your crisis management and problem-solving abilities. Think of specific situations where you've had to make quick decisions or support someone in a challenging environment, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills, so be prepared to discuss how you manage competing demands and maintain a high level of service delivery. Share examples of how you've effectively managed your time and resources in previous roles.